Macadamias: market in Kenya stabilises
November 26, 2025 at 10:50 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Farmers are becoming more optimistic
The macadamia industry in Kenya is showing the first signs of recovery. This is due to the introduction of a minimum farmgate price of KSh 100/kg (approx. USD 0.77/kg) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the maintenance of the export ban on inshell macadamias that was imposed last year, according to FreshPlaza, citing Floriculture and Citizen Digital. According to the Macadamia Association of Kenya, growers have received around KSh 130-150/kg this year, compared to as little as KSh 20/kg last year. An estimated 200,000 smallholders grow macadamias in Kenya's growing regions. The export ban on raw macadamias means that more inshell nuts are left for the country's 30 licensed processing plants. The processed goods are then exported to destinations such as the USA, Europe and China. According to the Macadamia Association of Kenya, MACNUT, growers are now optimistic again, as price transparency gives them security and the market has stabilised.
High losses due to pests
A persistent problem is the infestation of macadamia trees by pests. Jane Maigua, chairwoman of MACNUT, states that around 17,460 mt of macadamias are lost annually due to insect infestation, including more than 2,200 mt of exportable kernels. This equates to a loss of around KSh 2.88 billion per year. According to FreshPlaza, Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe said that farmers were facing “unprecedented losses” and called for training in pest management to be expanded and communication via radio and field extension to be improved.
EU import value rises by more than 70%
EU macadamia imports since the beginning of the year have risen by more than a quarter compared to 2024. South Africa remains the most important supplier, increasing its shipments to the EU by an impressive 32.1% to 4,919 mt, followed by Kenya (+25.2% to 2,424 mt) and Australia (+17.5% to 786 mt). In total, EU countries imported 9,411 mt of macadamias between 1 January and 16 November 2025. As usual, the largest buyer was the Netherlands, which imported 3,740 mt, an increase of 31.7%. Germany (+27.6% to 2,960 mt) and Spain (+12.8% to 1,020 mt) followed in second and third place. At EUR 11.33/kg, the average import price is almost 35% above last year's level, resulting in a substantial 70.7% increase in the total import value to USD 106.65 million.
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EU macadamia imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
South Africa |
3,724 |
4,919 |
32.1% |
|
Kenya |
1,936 |
2,424 |
25.2% |
|
Australia |
669 |
786 |
17.5% |
|
Malawi |
582 |
508 |
-12.7% |
|
Guatemala |
298 |
344 |
15.4% |
|
Others |
229 |
430 |
87.8% |
|
Total |
7,438 |
9,411 |
26.5% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-16/11 08026100+08026200 Macadamias, shelled and inshell |
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